Homosexuality & Lesbianism in Islam

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In this materialistic age when everything is being sacrificed at the altar of ‘freedom’, the world, from east to west, is witnessing a total collapse of morality and decency. Virtue is portrayed as evil while sins of every type are being glamourized so as to seem acceptable to society. Honesty, fidelity, generosity, piety, chastity, the fear of Allah, etc. are rarely looked upon as praiseworthy qualities while adultery, gambling, fraud, usury, cheating, abortion, homosexuality, lesbianism, etc. are fast becoming the order of the day.In many of the so-called democracies, there is no longer any stigma in even committing sins openly because of the many corrupt laws that support such sins. In fact today, in some of the world’s biggest “democracies” the more a leader publicizes his immoral and adulterous exploits, the more his popularity seems to increase and the greater become his chances of being re-elected by the people.But the saddest part ofthis is that while the Muslims were supposed to lead the world out of this turmoil and offer it Islam as the only solution to its problems, they have begun to embrace the bankrupt ways of those who are themselves groping in the darkness of ignorance. Unfortunately many of the abominable practices found in the west and other kuffaar societies are creeping into Muslim societies. May Allah protect us!

It is time for the Muslim ummah to awaken from its slumber and realize that it is the duty of every Muslim to remind the whole of mankind that success lies only in fulfilling the orders of Allah in the way shown by our Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This article, based on a pamphlet that was distributed in Shawwaal 1415 by the General Presidency, Dept. of the Promotion of virtue and the Prevention of vice, Saudi Arabia, discusses the issue of homosexuality and lesbianism in Islam. Although the masculine gender has been used in this article, it applies generally to both males and females alike.

Shuoyb Ahmed

THOUGHTS AND CONCERNS I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU, MY DEAR BROTHER, THE MUSLIM YOUTH

In the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and in keeping with the Sunnah of our Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who has said, ‘None of you has Imaan (Faith) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself’, please allow me to offer to you the following words of advice:

Every true believer living in this world fears the wrath and punishment of Allah Ta’ala. Are you safe, O my brother, from the punishment of Allah Ta’ ala? The question each one of us has to ask himself is: Would you like to be amongst those who will be punished tomorrow, on the Day in which neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit except to that person who appears before Allah with a pure heart? Would you be happy if your soul were reduced to the lowest position after Allah had created it in the best of forms? Would you allow myself to be disgraced in front of the whole of mankind and the entire creation on the Day of Qiyaamah (Reckoning)? Certainly you would not like any of this to happen to you!

Please let me share with you some brotherly advice regarding just one evil that has become so widespread today – especially amongst the youth. I know that there may be many questions roving in your mind regarding this evil:

What is this sin?

Is it so grave that we should discuss it?

What is the solution to it?

How can we save ourselves from it?

What are the harms and consequences of it?

Do not be too hasty for soon you will find answers to all your questions.

My Beloved Brother! You are certainly aware that the sin of homosexuality is haraam. But do you know how serious this crime is and just how despicable it is in the sight of Allah Ta’ala? Just imagine, my brother, that when it is against the very nature of man, nay even of animals, what is the position of the person who indulges in it! Is such a person unaware that Allah Ta’ala — in all His Grandeur, Might and Power — is watching him while he indulges in this haraam act? Is he not aware that Allah Ta’ala has the power to send down upon him a swift and severe punishment or even seize him while he is involved in it? What will his position be when he appears before his Rabb (Sustainer) on the Day of Qiyaamah?

“And such is the grasp of your Rabb when He seizes a community while it transgresses! Certainly His grasp is very painful.” (Surah Hood, ayah 102)

Let us now look at a few verses of the Qur’an, Ahaadith, narrations of the Sahaabah (radhiallaahu anhum) and sayings and verdicts of the Ulama regarding the sin of homosexuality or sodomy. Thereafter, let us see what are some of the diseases that spread as a result of it as well as some solutions. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to follow His guidance and the Sunnah of His Beloved Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

BEWARE!

Our beloved Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Certainly the thing I fear most on my ummah is the (wicked) practice of the people of Loot.’(Tirmizi, Ahmad, Ibn Hajr Al-Haysami, Ad-Duri and Al-Aajuri) (Hadith Hasan)

Hadrat Ali bin Abi Taalib (RA) relates, ‘Whoever allows himself to be used sexually (by becoming a homosexual or sodomite), Allah Ta’ala will expel from him the (natural) desire for women.‘

Once Abul Aswad (AR) brought a letter which he showed to one of his students and said, ‘I bear witness that this letter was dictated by Ali bin Abi Taalib (RA) to Abul Aswad: When men (i.e. homosexuals) will sexually satisfy themselves with men and women (i.e. lesbians) with women, then earthquakes will occur, faces will become transformed and stones will rain down from the skies.’

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has also said “May Allah curse him who does what the people of Loot (alayhis salaam) did.” (Ibn Hibbaan)

He (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has also said, “Lesbianism by women is adultery between them.” (Tabraani)

A LESSON FROM HISTORY

It is a well-known fact that when this wretched disease spread among one nation in the past, Allah Ta’ala caused punishments to rain down from the skies upon them. Allah mentions their story in many places in the Qur’an. At one place, He says,

“And (We also sent) Loot (as a Messenger). ‘Behold, he said to his people, do you do what is shameful even though you see (that it is wrong)? Would you really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, you are a grossly ignorant people!’

But his people gave no other answer but this: They said, ‘Drive out the followers of Loot from your city. These are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!’

But We saved him and His family except his wife: We destined her to be of those who lagged behind.

And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). And evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but failed to heed).” (Surah an-Naml, 54-58)

At yet another place, Allah Most High says: Do you approach the males of humanity, leaving the wives Allah has created for you? But you are a people who transgress. (Surah ash-Shu’raa: 165 &166)

From the first aayah, we learn that these people had themselves admitted that the family of Loot (AS) who had Imaan (belief in Allah) was decent, chaste and morally pure. They also acknowledged that the family of Loot (AS) refrained from this filthy practice. They realised this since it is natural for every person to immediately recognise the pure way of life inspired by Allah Ta’ala when they see it and also to make out any type of unnatural and perverted behaviour.

In the Tafseer (commentary) of these verses it is mentioned that the people of Loot (AS) were practicing both homosexuality and lesbianism. When Allah decided to punish them, He commanded Jibraeel (AS) to lift the village of Loot (AS) to the extent that the angels of the first heaven (sky) could actually hear the barking of their dogs. Jibraeel then turned them over and dropped them from this tremendous height. Thereafter, Allah Ta’ala caused scorching hot stones to rain down upon them. This is how this nation ended up being an example for the rest of mankind until the Day of Qiyaamah.

Imaam Al-Aajuri (AR) has said, ‘Allah Ta’ala has informed you about the despicable act of homosexuality committed by the people of Loot (AS) and how He punished them by first snatching away their eyesight. Jibraeel (AS) was then instructed to uproot their cities with all the inhabitants until they were high up into the sky and then turn over their cities upon them. Thereafter they were pelted with stones of clay.’ Such was their punishment that not a single citizen or traveller could save himself from the stones and from being completely destroyed.

It is said that they were four million in number. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer p.471 vol. 2)

Let us reflect! Why did Allah Ta’ala punish them so severely in such a manner that He had never punished any other nation before? Surely their sin must have been really serious for Allah Ta’ala to have punished and destroyed them in this way.

DISGRACE IN THIS WORLD

The acts of homosexuality and lesbianism are certainly a perversion and a serious deviation from the inherent nature of man. These acts of defiance against human nature are also even viler and uglier than adultery. There is consensus among both Muslims and the followers of other religions that lesbianism and homosexuality are evil and filthy practices. This is why it is not surprising to find that Islam so vehemently prohibits it and adopts such a harsh attitude against it.

The punishment awaiting such people in the Hereafter has already been explained, but what about their punishment in this world?

Since such type of behaviour was previously totally unknown to the Arab people, there is no record of any such incident having occurred during the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) or that he was faced with a case of this nature. However, it has been confirmed that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said,

“Kill the one who sodomizes and the one to who lets it be done to him.” (Tirmizi)

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) had passed such a ruling and Hadrat Ali (RA) was very severe in his ruling against such a crime. It is established that once Sayyiduna Khaalid bin Waleed (RA) found a man in the frontiers of Arabia marrying another man in the way a woman marries a man, so he wrote about it to Abu Bakr (RA). When Abu Bakr (RA) consulted with the Sahaabah, Ali (RA) who was the severest in his condemnation of it said, ‘Only one out of the many nations had indulged in it and you all know how Allah Ta’ala had dealt with them. I feel that he should be destroyed by fire.’ So Abu Bakr (RA) wrote back to Sayyiduna Khaalid (RA) who then put the man to death by means of fire.

Ibn Qassaar and Ibn Taymiyyah (AR) have said: All the Sahaabah (radhiallaahu anhum) were unanimous that he should be killed though some of them differed in the manner in which it should be done.

Abu Bakr (RA) said that he should be executed by being thrown from a great height.

Another view of Hadrat Ali (RA) was that a wall should be dropped upon him.

Hadrat Ibn Abbaas, Ali, Jaabir bin Zaid, Abdullah bin Ma`mar, Imaam Zuhri and Imaam Maalik (radhiallaahu anhum) have said that those who commit the evil deed of the people of Loot (AS) should be stoned to death, whether they be married or unmarried. This is also one of the narrations of Imaams Ahmad, Shaafi`ee and Abu Sawr (AR).

Hadrat Ibn Abbaas (RA) was once asked about the punishment for the homosexual. He replied, “He should be taken to the top of the highest building in the town and thrown headlong from there. Then he should be pelted with stones.”

Jaabir bin Zaid used to say, “The prohibitive decree of the anus is far more serious than the prohibitive decree of the vagina.” In other words, the prohibition against anal intercourse is far more severe than the prohibition against illegitimate sexual intercourse (with a woman).

ITS DANGERS IN THIS WORLD

Among the evil consequences of this sin are the many deadly and contagious diseases that result from it. Some of these illnesses are such that medical science — with all its might, power and advanced technology – has failed to combat or even fully comprehend, let alone cure it. Certainly no one is able to rise above the Will of Allah Ta’ala and escape His wrath!

Some of these fatal diseases are:

AIDS: There is no cure for it. It is contracted and spread through unlawful sexual intercourse and perverted sexual acts like homosexuality.

GONORRHEA: which causes inflammation of the testicles, blockage of the urethra, inflammation of the joints and sterility.

SYPHILIS: This is a type of venereal disease commonly known among the Arabs as ‘the English Disease’ since its origin lies in European societies where free intermingling of the sexes and immorality is rife. It results in insanity, paralysis, blindness, and other nerve disorders. Also leads to blood vessel damage and death.

GENITAL ULCERS: which causes inflammation of the lymphatic glands. It also gives rise to chronic festering of tumours, inflammation of the urethra, severe pain in the joints and swelling of the limbs.

HEPATITIS B: Its symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea and jaundice. It results in chronic hepatitis or liver cancer.

These are only a few of the many deadly diseases caused by perverted sexual behaviour. Could anyone ever desire contracting any of them?

May Allah Ta’ala protect all of us from all types of evil!

THE WAY TO SALVATION!

My Beloved Brother! Practicing on complete Islam is certainly the key to our success in this world and the Hereafter. Islam has provided us with the solution to problems in every sphere of our lives. Without doubt, the road to saving ourselves is simple and as clear as daylight — and it is to keep ourselves far away from this grievous sin.

The following are some means that will help you to do this:

Do towbah (i.e. repent sincerely) to Allah and turn to Him.

Stay away from the company of evil people or friends who glamorize and glorify those deeds and things that are sinful and make them appeal to you. The company that the youth keep plays the greatest role in either reforming or corrupting them. Therefore, choose for yourself the company of righteous people who will be of help and benefit to you in the matters of your Deen (Religion) and your dunya (worldly affairs).

Turn yourself and your gaze away from all those things that arouse the passions, like looking at and staying in the company of beardless, young lads or even pictures of them of which films, magazines, etc are brimming.

Make every effort to get married in order to remain pure and chaste and respond to the call of our beloved Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who has said, “O Assembly of Youth! Those of you who have the means to get married, should do so. And whoever is unable to do so, must keep fast. For this is certainly a protection for him.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

Fast in abundance in order to suppress the carnal desires/passions. Our Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said, “Certainly shaitaan flows in (the body of) man like the flowing of blood. So, subdue him by keeping fast.” (Sahih Bukhaari: vol.1 p.273 Book of Fasting)

Spend your spare time in those activities that will benefit you because the mind of an idle person becomes the target of sinful thoughts whispered by shaitaan and your nafs (the self which commands a person to do evil).

AND FINALLY.MY DEAR BROTHER!

What is the person who indulges in this evil waiting for? Is he waiting for the moment when death will suddenly overtake him while he is busy committing this sin? Has he given any thought to the condition of his father who had worked so hard to earn a living in order to bring him up and to see to his needs? How proud his father used to be of him, when he was a little boy, whenever he attended any gatherings! Has he thought about the condition of his mother who spent long, restless nights awake for the sake of his comfort? Is he now going to repay them with shame and disgrace them in front of everyone?

Or, is he waiting for death to overtake him while he is in the act of this despicable sin? Death certainly does not fix a time with us nor does it postpone its arrival for anyone, whether young or old!

My dear brother, this precious life is a special gift from our Beloved Creator, Allah, to us so that we may perform virtuous deeds and gain His pleasure. In fact, the principal motive behind everything that we do should be the pleasure of Allah — and this is the real meaning of success. Allah tells us:

“But the pleasure of Allah is the highest achievement: This is the greatest success.” (Surah at-Tawbah: 72)

Our life in this world is also a test from Allah. He has placed us in this world and created certain desires within us. But He has not made this world the place for the fulfillment of our desires. Here, we must fill our hearts with the fear of Allah and suppress our own desires and give priority to the wishes and orders of Allah over our own desires. In return for this, our Allah has promised to reward us with Jannah, the everlasting place of indescribable beauty and happiness that He has reserved for us in the Aakhirah.

“And for them who had feared standing before their Rabb (Sustainer) (on the Day of Qiyaamah) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires,

Certainly Jannah will be their abode.(Surah an- Naazi’aat: 40,41)

And since Jannah has been created as the actual place for the satisfaction of all our desires, everything there will be according to our wishes. Allah promises:

“Therein shall you have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall you have all that you ask for! A hospitable gift from One Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!” (Surah Fussilat: 31,32)

In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, I hope I have been able to illustrate clearly, yet briefly, the Islamic view regarding this sin and some of its harms so that it may serve as an eye-opener for those not involved in it and a means of earnestly repenting to Allah Ta’ala for those who have fallen into the trap of shaitaan.

It is now your duty, my beloved brothers and sisters, to inform each and every person of the sinfulness of this vice and its dangers and earn abundant reward from Allah Ta’ala.

I ask Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Powerful to grant all of us the ability to turn to Him in repentance, and to make what I have written and you have read, a witness in our favour and not against us.

For Allah alone grants the Muslims the ability to do what is beneficial for them.